Author Topic: Black Spitfire (Read 6181 times)

Jim Treace · « **on:** June 19, 2009, 10:58:07 AM »

I started the build of my Spitfire XVI in March and now have overall color, black and several clear coats. Now just need to do the red striping, the roundels, numbers and Israel Air Force emblem. I didn't backmask for the trimming, so to get a good red over the black will take some white base, this may add a little weight, but still think I'll be OK. Think I will have this done by end of June or so. So far total weight is 45oz, trying to keep it under 50.
Below are photos of model and the "real thing!" I just couldn't wait, I had to share. This has been a fun project, but man does black show everything !
Jim

Andrew Borgogna · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2009, 02:42:42 PM »

Jim
That is very sweet indeed. Can you give us some information on the plane, is it a kit, from plans or a scratch project? I really like the fact you did it in a paint scheme that is out of the normal and still scale in appearance. Good job, I look forward to seeing the completed project.
Andy

Balsa Butcher · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2009, 06:20:42 PM »

Well, I'm not Jim but I'd bet $$ that that is the Brodak Spitfire kit, designed by Pat Johnston. Nice plane, keep us posted on its progress and flight report.

Jim Treace · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2009, 07:19:25 PM »

Yes, it is the Brodak kit It is all dope and polyspan. Power is a Dixon tuned LA.46. The Brodak kit designed by Pat Johnston is a Mark XVI Spitfire and construction was pretty straight forward. I opted for Morris controls and beefed up flap and elevator horns, instead of the parts in the kit. I fly off a stooge, so I embedded a stooge ring in rear fuselage so as not to use the tail wheel strut. The color scheme I am using is the famous (and still in service) Israel Black Spitfire (someone on this forum put me on to it, I don't remember who), flown by then Israel president, Ezer Weizmann in the 1948 war for independence. It is a Mark IX and differers in several ways from the XVI. Mostly the canopy and the wing. The XVI had an elliptical wing to reduce drag.
Jim

Geoff Goodworth · « **Reply #4 on:** June 20, 2009, 03:59:21 AM »

For all intents and purposes, the Mk IX and the Mk XVI are the same except for the engine and the factory where they were built. Mk IXs were built at the Supermarine factory and the Mk XVI was built at the Nuffield factory in the north. Also, all Mk XVIs were powered by Packard-built Merlins.

Many Mk XVIs were built with clipped wings and there were similarly, many built with bubble canopies.

As far as I know, there were no MkIXs with bubble canopies but I believe that there were some Mk IXs with clipped wings. Whether this was ex-factory or not is a moot point.

According to a former RAF airframe machanic mate of mine, plenty of elliptical wings were 'converted' in the field to improve the roll rate by removing the tips.The open ends of the wings were often filled with pieces of wood and equally frequently, the navigation lights were conveniently forgotten.

Cheers, Geoff

Jim Treace · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2009, 06:25:22 AM »

Geoff,
Your correct and I read that there were 24 Marks (?) and many sub-variants, so very easy now, some 60 yrs later to get a bit confused. Regardless, it is one of those strikingly good looking WWII airframes that will always attract attention. Pat Johnston and Brodak did a great job on this kit. However, there are several mistypes in the instructions that don't match the plans. Answerer to that...stick to the plans. So far, it's in the CG envelope and the outboard wing tip weight is neutral, so only 1 1/2 Oz or so there. I do have to put on the red striping and since I didn't paint plan right, I will have to over spray to cover the black with white for good looking lay down of red. Just about the entire rudder is red, I am really going to try to keep from adding weight to the tail, but don't see how I can avoid it. More on this later.
Jim

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2009, 08:24:56 PM »

Way Kewl Jim!!!
I hope I get to see this one too.

Michael Boucher · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2009, 09:11:35 AM »

Please post it Jim when its done, thanks.

mike hartung · « **Reply #8 on:** June 21, 2009, 02:27:49 PM »

Hi Jim, great plane. I also have the kit and any heads up to conflicts between plans and instructions would be much appreciated. I plan to build this coming winter.

Jim Treace · « **Reply #9 on:** July 28, 2009, 02:53:49 PM »

Well, I finally completed the "Black Spitfire." Gosh, black shows everything! Took a lot of sanding jobs to get tiny spots. Got most, but not all. Finish is all Brodak and Sig dope. Wing covered in polyspan. Engine LA .46.
All red over black areas required white blocking coats. The red bolt/stripe was too much of a challenge for me to keep straight on both sides, so I did the drawing with all measurements and sent to RG Graphics for a paint mask and I did up the art on the blue/white roundels and the emblem and also sent to RG Graphics to reproduce in vinyl with opaque backing so black would not show through. I am going to let it dry a while before I test run, then fly. I'll give a report. Oh, total weight 51oz. includes 1 1/2 oz tip weight.
Jim

Leester · « **Reply #10 on:** July 28, 2009, 03:05:36 PM »

Looks GREAT Jim, did you use the Brodak Cystal clear on it

I just bought some of it $$$ hope it looks as good as yours.

Zuriel Armstrong · « **Reply #11 on:** July 28, 2009, 03:21:23 PM »

Jim,

That looks great. Maybe you can bring it to Memphis next fun fly.

Jim Treace · « **Reply #12 on:** July 28, 2009, 03:41:49 PM »

Zuriel,
Yes, absolutely it will be at the Memphis Fun Fly.

And Leester, I used Sig Lite Coat (which is clear) for the final clear coats. I used all Brodak prior to that point. However, I let the Brodak gas off for a few weeks before going to the Sig. I have found that I don't need any retarder for the Sig, but I do for the Brodak. I have not tried the clear Brodak. May do that on the next one.
Jim

Matt Colan · « **Reply #13 on:** July 28, 2009, 04:07:17 PM »

Quote from: Jim Treace on July 28, 2009, 03:41:49 PM

Zuriel,
Yes, absolutely it will be at the Memphis Fun Fly.

And Leester, I used Sig Lite Coat (which is clear) for the final clear coats. I used all Brodak prior to that point. However, I let the Brodak gas off for a few weeks before going to the Sig. I have found that I don't need any retarder for the Sig, but I do for the Brodak. I have not tried the clear Brodak. May do that on the next one.
Jim

Jim, do you know what the humidity was when you sprayed the Sig Lite coat on? That is a good looking airplane, nothing like black, it shines, but it shows everything and turns the plane into an oven when it is in the sun for too long, LOL.

I like Spitfires, and I think you did it justice

Paul Taylor · « **Reply #14 on:** July 28, 2009, 05:34:05 PM »

Looks great Jim !!!!

Can't wait to see it.

We are going to try and fly on the 16th next month and still plan on doing the Oct. Food, Fun & Fly.

Jim Treace · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2009, 06:43:37 PM »

Quote from: Matt Colan on July 28, 2009, 04:07:17 PM

Jim, do you know what the humidity was when you sprayed the Sig Lite coat on?

Matt,
Thanks for the comments. Yes, black is hot in the sun, maybe I'll only fly her on cloudy days!
Anyway, the humidity was about 50%. I spray indoors. I have a spray room that has a big dehumidifier separate from the AC system, and even with the big exhaust fan on it can keep the humidity in that range. But I have sprayed outside with it in the 60% range with no problems with the Sig Lite Coat, no retarder. Brodak dope is another issue, at least for me. Seems it takes quite a bit of retarder (10% or so) to keep from blushing.

Paul,
Got the message. Oct looks good for a Fall Fun Food Fly In !
Jim

Bryan Higgins · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2009, 07:19:27 PM »

Jim

Very Nice Spitfire. I like the scheme. I'm going to order one myself.

Scott Hartford · « **Reply #17 on:** July 29, 2009, 08:54:25 PM »

Awesome looking plane!

The graphics look great!

john e. holliday · « **Reply #18 on:** July 30, 2009, 10:11:37 AM »

Hey Jim, carry a light colored balnket to throw over your plane. It will drive the competition nuts. One of our guys did that at a SIG contest one year. His closest competition about went nuts trying to see what was under the blanket. By the was Dale took first that year. DOC Holliday

mike hartung · « **Reply #19 on:** August 01, 2009, 08:06:13 PM »

Jim what a great looking Spitfire. I only hope mine comes out half as good. Please let us know how it flies. Best wishes.